The Oyo State Police Command has said the absence of testimony from a key witness in the killing of 14-year-old Kehinde Alade is delaying the completion of its comprehensive report.
Kehinde, a student preparing for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams, lost his life on Tuesday in the Gbagi-Alakia area of Ibadan, Egbeda Local Government. The teenager was reportedly struck by a stray bullet fired by a police officer during a traffic-related encounter.
At a press briefing on Thursday, the state Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, spoke to journalists in the presence of Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dotun Oyelade, and the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (retd).
Adenola said that although an interim report has been submitted, the complete findings of the investigation are being held up pending the statement from the victim’s father, Mr. Odunayo Alade.
“The Inspector General of Police has asked us to ensure a thorough investigation, and that includes hearing from the father of the late boy,” Adenola said.
He confirmed that the officer involved in the shooting has been arrested and is currently in custody. A passenger who was in the vehicle at the time of the incident has already shared vital information with the police.
Adenola further noted that the father of the deceased had previously been cautioned for multiple traffic violations. “According to our records, Alade had been arrested just weeks ago for traffic offenses. This incident might have been avoided if rules were followed,” he stated.
Addressing public concern, Commissioner Dotun Oyelade assured the public that the state government would not ignore the matter. “What Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration stands for is justice. We will ensure that justice is served in this matter,” he said.
Oyelade also mentioned the government’s plan to invest more in training police officers, particularly in the areas of responsible gun handling and civil engagement. He added that support would be extended to Kehinde’s grieving family.
Meanwhile, OYRTMA Chairman Major Adesagba expressed frustration over the increasing number of assaults against road officers. “We’ve had eight reported cases of attacks on our officers this year, some resulting in serious injuries like broken bones,” he revealed.
He said the agency has now requested police security support during their daily operations and proposed joint patrols to enhance the safety of road officers and drivers alike.
